Options for Saving Gas as National Average Reaches $4.55
The national average for a gallon of gasoline is $4.55, a four-year high, according to AAA. Despite elevated prices, AAA estimates a record 45 million Americans will travel this weekend. Gasoline prices have been elevated since the start of the war in Iran, with no immediate relief expected. In California, which has the highest prices in the nation, Gov. Gavin Newsom has openly feuded with Chevron, advising drivers to avoid the company’s stations and buy unbranded gas. Experts interviewed for the story offered several cost-cutting strategies, including driving smoothly, maintaining tire pressure, and using regular gas when premium is only recommended. Data from analytics firms shows that while higher gas prices have increased interest in electric vehicles, sales data remain mixed. An average driver traveling 15,000 miles a year can save $1,800 annually by switching to an electric car, according to Coltura co‑executive director Janelle London. Some drivers have turned to e‑bikes or public transit, while others, like a couple living full‑time in an RV, have cut spending on entertainment to offset higher fuel costs.
What’s reported
The national average for a gallon of gasoline is $4.55, a four‑year high, according to AAA.
AAA estimates a record 45 million Americans will travel this weekend despite high fuel prices.
Gasoline prices have been elevated since the start of the war in Iran.
California has the highest gasoline prices in the nation; Gov. Gavin Newsom is discouraging Californians from filling up at Chevron stations.
Chevron moved its headquarters out of California in 2024 and is buying oil through an offshore pipeline California has tried to shut down.
The key to getting the most miles per gallon is smooth acceleration, soft braking and slowing down.
Underinflated tires, heavy loads and unused roof racks reduce fuel efficiency.
Consumer Reports’ deputy auto editor Jonathan Linkov said cars that only recommend premium gasoline can run fine on regular.
New‑EV sales remain depressed after the end of a $7,500 federal consumer tax credit last fall.
Used‑EV sales accelerated in March, according to CarGurus; Cox Automotive reported strong prices for used EVs at wholesale auction; iSeeCars.com saw no appreciable shift in used‑EV sales.
Janelle London of Coltura said an average driver doing 15,000 miles a year can save $1,800 a year by switching to an electric car.
Yale Climate Connections published a map showing that in North Dakota driving an EV is like paying less than $1 per gallon, while in California it is more like $2.70 per gallon.
Public transit ridership was steady in March and dropped slightly in the week ending April 4, according to the Transit app.
Jerick White of Houston bought his first e‑bike in March, citing the cost of car payments, maintenance and gas as reasons.
Julie and Vince Rossi sold their house to live in an RV full‑time; their fuel budget doubled and they now skip museums and amusement parks for free attractions.
Misconceptions
The article addresses that most cars do not require premium gasoline; regular gasoline is fine when premium is only recommended. It also notes that unbranded gas comes from the same refineries and meets the same state standards as branded gas.
Key figures
Gov. Gavin Newsom (California governor)
Jonathan Linkov (deputy auto editor, Consumer Reports)
Kevin Roberts (director of economic and market intelligence, CarGurus)
Janelle London (co‑executive director, Coltura)
Stephen Miller (policy lead, Transit app)
Jerick White (Houston e‑bike buyer)
Julie and Vince Rossi (RV owners)
Sources: NPR
